Better bottle brand carboy

[Chrisbrewbeers]

Does anybody know if they went out of business? They are out of stock everywhere I know. I like the way a 10 stopper fits tight compared to generic ones and I even think the material might be better, it always cleans easy compared to my generics.
Chris

 

[Nagorg]

I dont know this to be true but I've read that they may have had some production quality issues. And I agree, they do seem better than then generic ones especially with the bung fit.

Honestly though, I just had one develop a crack on the bottom and it leaked fermenting wort into my fermenchamber. The general consensus is that this is caused by soaking in PBW. I only do that because of stubborn kraussen that sometimes doesn't come off with the swirling washrag trick. So, given the lack of inventory on Better Bottles I have ordered a PET Big Mouth Bubbler. Those look like I wont have to soak in PBW since I can get my hand in the thing with a sponge.

Mine should arrive today in fact and I'll be dry hopping in it right off the bat.

I am interested in knowing what's happened to the Better Bottle supply though. If this Big Mouth Bubbler works out then it may not matter to me any more.

 

[govner1]

I cannot remember the source but I read that BB had a flood at the factory that damaged/ruined their equipment.
Haven't heard any updates. Fortunately I have a good supply w/ several still unopened.
I'd still use B-Brite for a good soak after use to make sure I got all the particulates removed. Then a thorough rinse. I'm not sure a wipe w/ a sponge will get it done.
Never had a BB crack in 4+ years but I'm sure it can happen. Any material will weaken over time w/ regular use & cleaning.

 

[Nagorg]

I'd still use B-Brite for a good soak after use to make sure I got all the particulates removed. Then a thorough rinse. I'm not sure a wipe w/ a sponge will get it done.

Didn't say I wouldn't be using PBW with the sponge; just wont have to let it soak! Supposedly the lengthy exposure is the issue. This will also cut down on the amount of PBW I go through too!

 

[Nagorg]

Found this thread where it does look like weather related damage is whats going on with production. Sounds like they will be back on shelves soon!

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=516761

 

[Hello]

Found this thread where it does look like weather related damage is whats going on with production. Sounds like they will be back on shelves soon!

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=516761

Yup and if you truly need one now, Atlantic Brew Supply has them in stock. They will ship and if they're not listed on their site then call them. They're re-vamping their site.

 

[Saturn]

Honestly though, I just had one develop a crack on the bottom and it leaked fermenting wort into my fermenchamber. The general consensus is that this is caused by soaking in PBW. I only do that because of stubborn kraussen that sometimes doesn't come off with the swirling washrag trick.

I recently came across a tip to deal with stubborn krausen rings inside plastic carboys. Take 1 - 2 cups of PBW solution (One Step also works) or similar and add to the carboy. Add about 1/4 cup of uncooked dry rice into the carboy. Swirl that around directing it to the ring or other deposits for a few minutes and that should take care of it. Dump out the rice solution and follow your standard cleaning procedure. I have had good results using this technique and haven't noticed any scratching issues. (Don't let the rice sit in the solution for long before swirling the solution - it will eventually get soft and be less/not effective.)

 

[Nagorg]

Nice tip! I'll have to try that rice trick next time.